| Buying a second hand car can be something of | | | | |
| a lottery if you are not well informed about | | | | When carrying out visual checks on the car, |
| cars and their values. And even if you are, | | | | remember to check the tyres for even wear. If |
| there are still some obvious pitfalls you | | | | the wear is uneven, then there may be a |
| should avoid if you want to ensure that | | | | problem with the car's suspension. Some |
| you've bought a quality used car. | | | | unscrupulous dealers or individuals may |
| | | | tamper with the mileage on a car, so check |
| The first thing to do when considering buying | | | | that the wear and tear on the vehicle is |
| a second hand car is to acquire a second-hand | | | | consistent with the recorded miles. For |
| car price guide. Many newsagents stock these | | | | example, if the car is advertised as doing |
| and failing that there are plenty of online | | | | only 5,000 miles but the tyres are worn and |
| guides available. While these won't be free, | | | | the bonnet is covered in stone chips, then |
| but they will be a great investment, and the | | | | that evidence isn't consistent with the |
| few pounds you spend on a guide could save | | | | advertised mileage. And if the car is over |
| you hundreds, or even thousands when it comes | | | | three years old ask to see its MOT |
| to buying your car. You'll also get a good | | | | certificate. |
| indication of what type of vehicle you can | | | | |
| afford and what price you should expect to | | | | Never buy a car without taking it for a test |
| pay. | | | | drive - however great it looks stood on the |
| | | | drive or forecourt. But do make sure that you |
| Although the next tip sounds obvious, it is | | | | are insured to do so before getting into the |
| amazing how many people don't follow it: when | | | | driver's seat! By driving the car you'll not |
| you go to look at the car you are interested | | | | only get a feel for whether this is the car |
| in, make sure you view it in the daylight! | | | | for you, but also you can be alerted to any |
| All the flaws, scratches and any other body | | | | potential problems. Drive at a variety of |
| faults will be clearly visible, and you'll | | | | speeds, up and down hills and in reverse. |
| get a much clearer perception of the car than | | | | This way you'll be able to highlight any |
| if you viewed it at night. This applies | | | | suspension or clutch problems. |
| equally, whether you are interested in buying | | | | |
| from a garage or a private individual. | | | | Lastly, stick to your guns; If you are after |
| | | | a particular make of car - whether it's a |
| Getting a second opinion is a must. But get | | | | used Ford car, a second-hand Renault Clio or |
| it from someone who can give you an unbiased | | | | a classic Land Rover - make sure you buy the |
| opinion and preferably someone with | | | | one you want! Don't be persuaded to come away |
| mechanical knowledge. If you don't know | | | | with a car you didn't really want but that |
| anyone personally, major road organisations | | | | the salesman insists is far superior and a |
| such as the AA and RAC will inspect the car | | | | much better deal to your original choice. The |
| for you for a fee, although it wouldn't be | | | | chances are it's not! Adam Singleton is an |
| advisable to organise an inspection until you | | | | online, freelance journalist and keen amateur |
| were sure that that was the vehicle you | | | | photographer from Scotland. His interests |
| wanted to buy. | | | | include travelling and hiking. |